Standards Comparison

    AS9120B

    Mandatory
    2016

    Aerospace standard for distributor quality management systems

    VS

    GDPR UK

    Mandatory
    2016

    UK regulation for personal data protection and privacy.

    Quick Verdict

    AS9120B ensures quality management for aerospace distributors via certification, while GDPR UK mandates personal data protection for all UK-handling organizations with hefty fines. Distributors adopt AS9120B for supply chain access; all adopt GDPR UK to avoid legal penalties.

    Quality Management

    AS9120B

    AS9120B Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Distributors

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts prevention
    • Enhanced traceability for split lots and chain-of-custody
    • Risk-based external provider evaluation and flowdown controls
    • Configuration management via sales order traceability
    • Product preservation and shelf-life controls in distribution
    Data Privacy

    GDPR UK

    UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Seven enforceable data processing principles
    • Comprehensive individual data subject rights
    • Accountability requiring demonstrable compliance
    • Mandatory DPIAs for high-risk processing
    • 72-hour ICO breach notification rule

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    AS9120B Details

    What It Is

    AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, based on ISO 9001:2015's 10-clause structure. It applies to organizations procuring, storing, splitting, and reselling parts without alteration, using a risk-based approach to address distribution risks like traceability loss and counterfeits.

    Key Components

    • Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
    • Pillars: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, provider controls), evaluation, improvement.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, not full manual.
    • Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
    • Mitigates risks of nonconformities, counterfeits, recalls.
    • Builds customer trust, enables market access (2,442 global certifications).
    • Drives efficiency, reduces errors in chain-of-custody.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months).
    • For distributors any size; focuses on operational controls.
    • Involves supplier registers, traceability systems, internal audits.

    GDPR UK Details

    What It Is

    UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the UK's post-Brexit adaptation of EU GDPR, a binding legal regulation enforced by the ICO. It governs personal data processing to protect individuals' rights and freedoms. Key approach: risk-based accountability with seven core principles.

    Key Components

    • Seven principles: lawfulness, fairness, purpose limitation, minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
    • Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection.
    • Obligations: RoPAs, DPIAs, processor contracts, breach notifications.
    • Compliance model: demonstrable via documentation; fines up to 4% global turnover.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory compliance avoids ICO fines (£17.5m max).
    • Manages enterprise risks, builds stakeholder trust.
    • Enables secure data use, operational efficiency, competitive edge in privacy.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: discovery/RoPA, policies/contracts, training, DPIAs, audits.
    • Applies to UK-established orgs and extraterritorial targeting; all sizes/industries.
    • No certification; ongoing ICO enforcement, self-attestation.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    AS9120B
    Aerospace parts distribution QMS
    GDPR UK
    Personal data protection principles

    Industry

    AS9120B
    Aerospace distributors globally
    GDPR UK
    All sectors handling UK personal data

    Nature

    AS9120B
    Voluntary certification standard
    GDPR UK
    Mandatory legal regulation

    Testing

    AS9120B
    IAQG certification audits
    GDPR UK
    Internal audits, ICO enforcement

    Penalties

    AS9120B
    Loss of certification
    GDPR UK
    Fines up to 4% global turnover

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about AS9120B and GDPR UK

    AS9120B FAQ

    GDPR UK FAQ

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